How To Get Rid Of Earwigs Or ‘Pincher Bugs’

We think these ancient bugs are just plain gross. And guess what? They thrive in this wet weather.

The proper name for earwigs is Dermaptera. They're nocturnal and quick moving bugs that love dark and damp places. They live together, and their nests can contain thousands of them. The Earwig name comes from their back end. Does it look like a pair of ears? Well, it's their back legs, and it's impossible for them to 'pinch.' The pincers are used to protect themselves and unfold their two sets of wings. Yes, Earwigs can fly.

Earwigs can cause lots of damage to your flower and vegetable gardens. If you notice plant leaves that are jagged and full of holes, then you have an Earwig problem. The Farmers Almanac says any of these remedies will fix the problem.

Try sprinkling borax around it, but keep pets and children away from this area after doing so.

Mix equal parts soy sauce and olive or vegetable oil put it in a small plastic container, and secure the lid. Punch holes in the top of the container. Make the holes large enough for the earwigs to get in. Bury the container in the soil just up to the holes. The soy sauce will attract the earwigs, and the oil will prevent them from escaping.

Alcohol controls these pests by acting as a surfactant, or wetting agent, that can penetrate an insect’s waxy coat of armor and kill on contact with the body.